Anybody Using a Saginaw 3 Speed Manual?

[74 Camaro]

Hello all,

I have the 3 speed Saginaw for a 6 cylinder engine sitting behind an Edelbrock 350 crate engine making north of 300 (possibly 350) horsepower. I bought the car with this setup and didn't know what I was getting into. Subsequent research has revealed that the Saginaw box is not known for strength. I also don't know if the gears are good for autocross. Nasty Z-28 has the gear ratios listed as follows:


1st 2.85:1
2nd 1.68:1
3rd 1.0:1
rear axle 3.08:1

I'm doing a budget build and considering a four speed because it will fit easily and is about $1000 cheaper than a 5 speed, which is about $1000 cheaper than a six speed. The thing is, I won't gain any overdrive, since all but a few rare 4 speeds were 1.0:1 final, just like my 3 speed. I also won't gain on the low end since 4 speeds start with a 2.52 or 2.54 first gear, compared to my 2.85. But this means that my gears are VERY wide. My engine isn't exactly a power monster, though it does seem to rev surprisingly well. Maybe that's just because I'm used to truck engines. If I could gain on the low end then I could justify a taller rear gear to maintain decent highway mileage, while still having decent grunt off the line.

I found an interesting article on 4, 5, and 6 speeds:

http://www.badasscars.com/index.cfm/...rod/prd442.htm

I like the idea of the fast shifting transmissions, besides the fact that the 4 speeds are less trouble and money to install. What I don't know is how a 3 speed shifts in comparison, and if the gears are any good for spirited driving/ autocross. I'm really into nice shifting transmissions. For reference, I have a 94 Miata that is a blast to row through the gears.

Does anyone have experience with either/ both 3 speeds and 4 speeds? Driving impressions? Suggestions?

Many thanks in advance!